Two new water treatment plants at St’uxwtews (Bonaparte First Nation) were officially opened on Oct. 28.
The plants and distribution systems will be bringing clean, potable water to IR#1 and IR#2 along Highway 99 west of Hat Creek Ranch. Residents of the communities have endured on-again/off-again boil water advisories since 2004, with Elder Dean Morgan describing the slime that was often seen on the water.
Morgan and his family have been trying to get clean water to the area for 40 years. The majority of the more than 1,100 St’uxwtews members live in IR#3 along Highway 97 north of Cache Creek, and a new water treatment plant for that area was completed several years ago.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $9.8 million for the feasibility studies, design, and construction of the two state-of-the-art water treatment systems, which are a significant step toward ensuring long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in IR#1 and IR#2. Bonaparte First Nation and ISC are also collaborating on further enhancements to water infrastructure in IR#3 to meet the area's long-term water needs.
“You don’t take into account how much water affects your daily life,” said St’uxwtews water manager Byton Porter. “Just to have clean, safe drinking water for the youth in our community and the elders and the vulnerable ones with weak immune systems, or pregnant women: it’s massive for sure.”
"Today we celebrate the new water treatment plant,” said St’uxwtews Kukpi7 Frank Antoine in a statement on Oct. 28. “After two long decades of persistent water advisories, our community can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to these critical upgrades.
“Water is a lifeline and a fundamental right. We are grateful for this investment. It ensures the health, safety, and well-being of our community and for generations to come."
